The Stareaters, Part 1

Since the original draft of VIRUS 5 back in 1973, the Stareaters (Asdrale Cimatir in Vuduri) have always been a central element of the novel. In their first incarnation, they were long tubes and the star would go in one end and exit the other as thrust. In the original story, they, too, gave birth to child Stareaters.

And in the original novel Rei, with OMCOM's help, figures out how to destroy them using the same method, hence the title VIRUS 5 since it was the fifth generation of VIRUS units that consumed the Stareater. Also in the original novel, there were mutations. But this where the original and the current version of Rome's Revolution differ. In the original, the mutations truly were a mistake and the book was supposed to end on an ominous note.

In the current version, the Stareaters serve a variety of purposes. The first is to precipitate the crisis on Dara. I loved the fact that even being close by caused the Vuduri to pass out. At least we finally answered the question as to why the stars were disappearing so the mission to Tabit was a success. The fact that they are a constant danger gave Rome all the ammunition she needed to defeat the Overmind of Deucado in her battle of wits.

And I loved, loved, loved, the "people of Earth" scene in which Rome is addressing the crowd and half the people pass out. Rei literally sees the end of all life and is desperate to figure out how to save the world and more importantly his family.

Of course, we discover the Stareaters are noble creatures with a very high order mission. I must tell you frankly I did not know this when I started writing the book. It came as a surprise to me, as well. Tomorrow, a little more insight into their "new" origin, their purpose and whether we will ever see them again.